22 Orlando spots where you can always drink in a bathing suit

Beach Shack

1 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-783-2250
It’s not easy being the standard for local honky tonks, dive bars, or surf houses but Beach Shack in Cocoa makes it look that way. While Beach Shack does not offer food it is admired by locals and out-of-towners, or “shoobies,” for dishing up cold drinks, live music and a front row seat for the beach.

Photo via broshark/Instagram

Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, 407-864-2003
For the entrance fee of $1, exclusively on weekends and holiday weekdays, Wekiva Island is a watering hole good for more than wetting your whistle. In addition to being pet and child friendly, Wekiva Island sports a volleyball court, cornhole and lounging chairs on the sandy river bank and boardwalk as well as Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals.

Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

Ginnie Springs

7300 NE Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, 386-454-7188
Ginnie Springs, one of the clearest springs in Florida, will be having a Memorial Day Weekend celebration with live music. In addition to swimming, visitors can go tubing, snorkeling, picnicking, kayaking, and even cave diving. Camping, including overnight cottage rental, is also available. Alcohol is allowed, but excessive consumption is prohibited. Thursday through Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, holiday rates ($20/adult) will be enforced.

Photo via nsuarezjr/Instagram

Coconuts on the Beach

2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 321-784-1422
Coconuts features a large outdoor tiki deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and daily live music performances. At night, there are drink specials and even opportunities to catch the ships coming and going out of Port Canaveral. The restaurant has a full menu, and Happy Hour for appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Photo via CoconutsOnTheBeach/Facebook

Golden Lion Cafe

501 N Oceanshore Blvd. (A1A), Flagler Beach, 386-439-3004
The Golden Lion Cafe boasts rooftop seating at its oceanside location along with live music practically every day of the week. Happy hour is from 3-6p.m. and deals like $4 margaritas, along with beer and wine options, sweeten the scene. Flagler’s only raw bar sets The Golden Lion Cafe apart from other beachside restaurants.

Photo via Golden Lion Cafe/Facebook

Parliament House

410 N Orange Blossom Trail, 407-425-7571
Parliament House offers a bit more than your average gay bar. It has weekly entertainment, and a resort attached, too. As long as you’re a paying customer--which includes buying drinks at the bar!--you can splash around in the pool from sunrise to sunset. “Pool Games,” hosted by drag queen Gidget Galore, take place Saturday afternoons, and feature drink specials and beats by DJ Scott Robert.

Photo via Orlando Weekly

Falls Pool Bar & Grill

8701 World Center Drive, 1-407-239-4200
Falls Pool Bar & Grill is a year-round vacation destination as it sits by the World Center Marriott pool, which features a waterfall. At night, you can sit by the fire pits, and if you’re a guest you can enjoy the complimentary laser light show. The state-of-the-art digital graphics, in combination with synchronized music, is a good way to close out a night by the water.

Photo via Marriott.com

Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill

9801 International Drive, 1-407-284-1234
Coconuts is a poolside bar located at the Hyatt Regency that serves cocktails, beer, and wine, and a small list of food options including sandwiches and dessert. You don’t have to be a guest to eat, but you do if you want to swim. Guests at the hotel have the option of ordering from Coconuts without even leaving their poolside lounge chairs.

Photo via juandiaz408/Instagram

The Beach Bucket Oceanside Bar & Grill

867 S Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, 386-308-1134
Diners at the Beach Bucket can enjoy the sights and sounds of Daytona and Ormond Beaches with prime oceanside seating. There is street parking and a designated parking lot for restaurant goers. Connected to the South side of Oceans East Resort, the Beach Bucket hosts live music on Wednesdays and the weekends, providing entertainment for the whole family.

Photo via Beach Bucket/Facebook

Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Steam Shack

15790 SE 134th Ave., Weirsdale, 352-812-5007
An excellent option for those who go to the beach and think “ehh too salty,” Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Steamshack is on the fresh, salt free waters of Lake Weir. In addition to serving up cajun seafood steam pots, Eaton’s offers, kayak, paddle board, jet ski, water bike and pontoon boat rentals.

Photo via Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill/Facebook

Smyrna Dunes Park

2995 N Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-424-2935
At Smyrna Dunes Park, you can sail, swim, and stroll to observe nature without worrying about disturbing the wildlife. The park contains two miles of elevated walkways, picnic areas, pavilions, and an observation tower that were all built to protect the sand dunes while allowing visitors to navigate through them. Admission is $10 per vehicle, and pets are allowed, but only on leashes.

Photo via smith4256/Instagram

PB&G at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 1-407-313-6868
On a platform suspended over a lake, PB&G offers a considerable list of wines, cocktails, and even a few craft beers. It’s located poolside, but you have to be a hotel guest to swim. The pool itself isn’t as family-friendly--that’s right, no kids allowed--and it has a jacuzzi and underwater audio.

Photo via Four Seasons/Facebook

Otters on the River

4380 Carraway Pl., Sanford, 407-636-6300
Otters on the River is not just a restaurant in the Sanford area. The venue also hosts comedians on Friday and Saturday nights and pool parties every Saturday and Sunday. Pet-friendly and family-friendly, Otters has an extensive menu containing seafood, prime rib and steak options, as well as other American and Tex-Mex dishes. Check out their website to see the unique events they’ve got on their calendar.

Photo via weannieb/Instagram

Sand on the Beach Bar and Grill

1005 Atlantic St., Melbourne Beach, 321-327-8951
Sand on the Beach is a place to grab drinks and a bite to eat. After a quick swim or tan, one can choose from a variety of seafood, along with chicken, pork, and brisket options. Happy hour runs everyday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the fun continues with a monthly Full Moon Party with live music and drink specials.

Photo via Sand on the Beach/Facebook

The Breakers Ocean Front Restaurant & Lounge

518 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-2019
The Breakers offers an impressive 17 different types of burgers. If burgers aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of seafood options. A great place to stop for a bite and some drinks after hitting the white sandy beaches, you’ll recognize Breakers by its famous pink building. Happy hour runs from 4-7p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo via scott_murrish/Instagram

Swampy’s Bar & Grille

19773 E Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, 352-547-4777
Swampy’s opened in 2012, and since then, it’s been serving up Cajun, Country and Soul food dishes right next to the Rainbow River. From the riverside seating, diners may see people tubing, kayaking, canoeing and boating out on the river. For those who are interested in water activities, there are several places located right next to Swampy’s to rent equipment and join the fun.

Photo via swampys.restaurant

Tropics Pool Bar And Grill

6001 Destination Parkway, 1-407-313-4300
If you’re a guest at the Hilton, you can kick and back and enjoy cocktails by the pool. Tropics has bar and table seating, but you can also receive service while poolside or in any of the cabanas, which are available for rent. The pool gives you the best of both worlds, as it’s zero entry--so you can enter like you’re walking into the ocean--and has a winding water slide.

Photo via Hilton/Facebook

JB’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant

859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-5747
JB’s Fish Camp’s location on the Canaveral National Seashore allows you the option of visiting by car or boat. Kayaks, paddleboards, and even fishing equipment are available for rental (though you have to present your own fishing license). The family restaurant offers a full bar and a full menu, but you can even bring in your own catch of the day to be cooked the way you want it.

Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Instagram

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

1145 East Buena Vista Blvd., 407-560-4120
True to the Disney M.O. Typhoon Lagoon aims to create an immersive and one of a kind experience, an experience that starts at $62 a day and includes 6 water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and Joffery’s Coffee’s mini doughnuts with chocolate, white chocolate and raspberry dipping sauces.

Photo via leo_the_mark/Instagram

Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill

9840 International Drive, 407-996-9840
Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill, located at the Rosen Centre, serves Caribbean-Cuban infused cuisine. You don’t have to be a guest to make use of the facilities but, you’ll better understand why people choose to stay at the Rosen Centre after taking advantage of the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Photo via harryspoolside.com